For close to 21 years, Elissa Goodman suffered from hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. Both conditions went undiagnosed for a number of years, and her symptoms manifested over time in her body, and included: weight gain, hair loss, hormone imbalances, anxiety, depression and infertility.

This health story is more common than you may think. It is now estimated that one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder at some point in their lifetime, and 60 percent of people with the condition are unaware that they even have it. Hashimoto’s is now the fastest growing autoimmune condition today (in fact, it is estimated that 90% of hypothyroid cases are due to Hashimoto’s [1]).

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While there is often more than one root cause for the development of a hyper or hypo thyroid – in many cases these conditions initially stem from unsatisfactory eating habits and physical, mental and environmental stressors.

HYPO AND HYPER. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

While hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both affect the same butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, these conditions have opposite effects on your body.

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Think of hyper as being over-excited, a hyperactive thyroid is over-producing thyroid hormones, and in this state – all body functions tend to speed up.

Hyper Symptoms May Include:

  • Always feeling hot
  • Sweating more than usual
  • Problems with falling asleep
  • Racing thoughts
  • Difficulty focusing on one task
  • Forgetfulness
  • Change in bowel habits (looser)
  • Elevated heart rate and palpitations
  • Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
  • Weight loss (“fast metabolism”)
  • Menstrual problems
  • Physical and mental fatigue

Now, remember hypo as being the opposite. Hypo is a little too under-productive, and when your body is in a hypo state, less thyroid hormones are produced and everything begins to slow down.

Hypo Symptoms May Include:

  • Physical and Mental Fatigue
  • Forgetfulness
  • Dry skin
  • Dry hair
  • Brittle nails
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain (“slow metabolism”)
  • Muscle cramps
  • Depression
  • Decreased menstrual flow
  • Swelling in the front of the neck (goiter)

If you are experiencing many of the above symptoms for  thyroid disorders – see your health care professional and ensure you are tested to see if your thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range,

AUTOIMMUNE THYROID

An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system begins to confuse its own bodily tissue with a foreign invader, with an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks itself in an attempt to protect itself.

Diagnosis’ of autoimmune diseases are at an all time high, making our efforts towards creating our best health of highest importance. In the case of the thyroid gland, we have both Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) and Hashimoto’s Disease (hypothyroidism). There are 6 Root Causes to Autoimmunity in the Thyroid Gland:

  1. Gastrointestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut)
  2. Heavy Metal Toxicity
  3. Infectious Disease
  4. Adrenal Insufficiency
  5. Iodine Deficiency
  6. Nutrient Deficiency

ELISSA’S HEALING RECIPE

Once Elissa discovered the root cause of her health issues, she became serious about healing from hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. She came up with this nutrient-dense recipe that utilizes thyroid supporting key nutrients and superfoods. She calls it “The Green Tonic That’s Helped Balance My Hormones and Heal My Thyroid”

Daily Thyroid and Hormone Balancing Tonic Recipe

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/hormone-balancing-tonic
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 organic lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or ½ tsp fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (or ½ tsp fresh)
  • 2 cups filtered water (discover the best filtered water to use at home)
  • 1 teaspoon Hawaiian spirulina powder
  • 1 dropper-full ionized liquid zinc
  • 1 teaspoon barley juice extract powder
  • 3 grams L-Glutamine powder
  • 1 tablespoon cold-milled flaxseed or chia seeds

Optional:

probiotic (1 liquid dropper-full OR powder from 1 50-billion capsule)

Method:

  1. Hand-squeeze lemon juice.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and shake to combine. Drink immediately.

OTHER THYROID SUPPORTING REMEDIES

Ashwagandha

This adaptogenic herb works to balance out both the hyper and hypo thyroid. Adaptogenic herbs help you adapt and deal with stress, and ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine.

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Eat Selenium-Rich Foods

To overall improve your thyroid function, selenium is needed. We are often deficient in this micromineral, as levels in our soil have greatly depleted. This mineral has powerful antioxidant-like functions and also plays a role in immunity. Include more:

  • Brazil nuts (3-5 a day)
  • Sustainable halibut
  • Sustainable sardines
  • Grass-fed beef/liver
  • Pasture-raised turkey/chicken
  • Pasture-raised eggs
  • Baby spinach
  • Microgreens

Probiotics

Probiotics are critical for Better Digestion. However a link between thyroid conditions and leaky gut syndrome display the need for probiotics for thyroid health as well! Leaky gut is a condition where proteins such as gluten, ‘leak’ through the gut, into the bloodstream and cause inflammation and stress throughout the body. Consume more probiotic rich foods and get on your way to Better Digestion:

This article was written by Nicole Eckert, Holistic Nutritionist and the Owner + Founder of Holisticole. Check out her holistic living blog: holisticole.com for amazing clean-eating recipes, informative blog posts and online programs. Stay inspired by Nicole’s passion – follow her on Facebook & Instagram (@holisticole). BE vibrant.

 *Article originally appeared at Healthy Holisitic Living.